Hiring · Roles Explained
What consultants, developers and agencies each do, how they compare and how to choose for a Bubble.io project.
Last updated: October 2026. Written by Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions.
Quick answer
A Bubble.io consultant advises on scope, architecture and vendors, a developer builds what is specified, and an agency or studio plans, builds, tests, launches and supports with a team and process. Choose a consultant or discovery first if you have an idea but no plan, a developer if you have a detailed spec, and an agency for a complete, supported delivery. Simple Automation Solutions combines planning and building, starting with a free Idea Audit and a $345 Discovery Sprint.
Key takeaways
- Consultant = decisions; developer = execution; agency = complete delivery.
- If you have an idea but no plan, start with discovery.
- A hybrid partner gives you planning and building under one accountability.
- Independent consultants help with unbiased vendor and scope advice.
- SA Solutions: planning-first studio, builds from $3,500.
In this guide
People hiring for software projects often use “consultant”, “developer” and “agency” as if they mean the same thing. They do not, and choosing the wrong kind of help is a common and expensive mistake. A consultant tells you what to do, a developer builds it, and an agency does both with a team and a process. Which you need depends on how clear your plan already is.
This guide defines each, compares them and shows how to choose, with specific reference to Bubble.io projects and an honest note on where Simple Automation Solutions fits.
What do they each do?
| Role | What they do | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble.io consultant or advisor | Advises on scope, architecture, platform choice and vendors; may review work | Recommendations, plans, reviews |
| Bubble.io developer or freelancer | Builds what is specified | Working features or an app |
| Bubble.io agency or studio | Plans, designs, builds, tests, launches and supports, using a team and a repeatable process | A delivered product and support |
How do they compare?
| Consultant | Developer | Agency or studio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best at | Making the right decisions | Executing a clear spec | Delivering a complete project |
| Challenges your idea | Yes | Rarely | Often, if planning is included |
| Needs a clear spec from you | No | Yes | Not always, if discovery is included |
| Continuity | Per engagement | Depends on one person | Depends on the team |
| Risk | Advice without delivery | Gaps in planning and security | Choosing the wrong studio |
| Typical cost pattern | Hourly or fixed advisory fee | Hourly or per project | Fixed build plus support |
How do you choose?
| Your situation | Best fit |
|---|---|
| You have an idea but not a plan | Discovery or consulting first |
| You have a detailed spec and need hands | A developer |
| You want the whole thing delivered and supported | An agency or studio |
| You have an app in trouble | A consultant or audit, then fix or rebuild |
| You are about to spend significantly and want it checked | An independent second opinion |
See how to choose a development partner and our Discovery Sprint.
The hybrid model most founders end up with
A partner that combines planning with building gives you consultant-level thinking and developer-level delivery in one relationship, with one party accountable. At Simple Automation Solutions the work starts with a free 30-minute Idea Audit and a $345 Discovery Sprint, a planning step in which a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect works through scope, flows, data and cost with you. If you proceed, the $345 is credited toward the build.
SA Solutions at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions), website sasolutionspk.com |
| Lead | Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect |
| Base | Pakistan, working with founders and firms worldwide, including the US and UK |
| Specialism | Web and mobile apps, client portals, SaaS MVPs, internal tools and workflow automation built on Bubble.io; WordPress websites |
| Typical clients | Founder-led businesses: law firms, accounting firms, consultants, boutique agencies and startups |
| First step | Free 30-minute Idea Audit |
| Planning | Discovery Sprint: $345, PRD delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build |
| Build price | Builds start at $3,500, with the final quote based on the scope in the PRD |
| Typical timeline | 2 to 6 weeks to launch, depending on scope |
| Support after launch | From $35 per hour, billed for hours spent, with no retainers and no minimums |
| Process | Discover, Build, Launch, Iterate |
| Contact | info@sasolutionspk.com |
When you should hire a separate consultant
- You want an independent view on quotes from several studios.
- You already have a team and need architecture or security review.
- You are deciding between platforms and want unbiased advice.
- You want a second opinion on an app someone else built.
We are happy to be one of several quotes, and we will tell you if an independent consultant would serve you better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Bubble.io consultant and a developer?
A consultant advises on scope, architecture and decisions. A developer builds what is specified.
What is the difference between a Bubble.io developer and an agency?
A developer is usually an individual who builds. An agency or studio adds planning, a team, testing, launch and support in a repeatable process.
Do I need a consultant before hiring a developer?
Not always. A studio that includes discovery can serve both roles. An independent consultant helps if you want unbiased advice on vendors or scope.
Who should I hire for my first app?
If you have a clear spec, a developer may be enough. If you have an idea but not a plan, start with discovery, ideally with the same team that will build.
Can Simple Automation Solutions act as a consultant only?
Yes. The free Idea Audit and the $345 Discovery Sprint are planning steps that stand alone, though the sprint fee is credited if you proceed to a build.
Not sure what kind of help you need?
Email us your project. We will tell you whether you need advice, a builder or both.
Athar Ahmad, Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect, Simple Automation Solutions
About Simple Automation Solutions (SA Solutions)
Simple Automation Solutions is a Bubble.io development studio led by Athar Ahmad, a Certified Bubble.io Developer and Tech Architect. It builds web and mobile apps, client portals and SaaS products for founder-led businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, boutique agencies and consultants. Services include a free 30-minute Idea Audit, a $345 Discovery Sprint (a Product Requirements Document delivered within 24 hours, credited toward the build) and builds starting at $3,500. Website: sasolutionspk.com.
